Great Waters

Great Waters golf course overview

Great Waters at Reynolds Lake Oconee is a Jack Nicklaus signature design characterized by its parkland layout and significant water frontage. The course underwent a comprehensive renovation to modernize the turf and drainage while preserving the original routing. It features a demanding back nine where nearly every hole interacts with the shoreline of Lake Oconee.

Explore more golf courses in Georgia.

How to score better at Great Waters

Success requires precise approach shots to multi-tiered greens that are often protected by deep bunkers or water hazards. Position off the tee is vital to find favorable angles into narrow landing areas, particularly on the holes bordering the lake. Conservative play is often rewarded on the par-4s to avoid bringing the lateral water into play.

Nearby courses include Champions Retreat Golf Club.

How Great Waters should actually be played

Success requires precise approach shots to multi-tiered greens that are often protected by deep bunkers or water hazards. Position off the tee is vital to find favorable angles into narrow landing areas, particularly on the holes bordering the lake. Conservative play is often rewarded on the par-4s to avoid bringing the lateral water into play. This is the defining strategy for Great Waters. Golfers who commit to this approach consistently score better here.

What makes Great Waters tricky

The par-5s offer the best opportunities for birdies provided the tee shot finds the fairway. Scoring relies heavily on managing the closing stretch of the back nine, where technical accuracy is more important than raw distance. Keeping the ball below the hole is essential for maintaining a high scrambling percentage on the fast, undulating surfaces.

Who will enjoy Great Waters

Great Waters suits golfers who want to improve their scoring through better decision-making. Mid handicap players benefit most from playing conservatively, while lower handicap golfers can take advantage of scoring opportunities when they are clearly available.

Where most golfers lose shots at Great Waters

The most common error is aggressive pin-seeking on the lakeside holes where the margin for error is minimal. Players often underestimate the influence of crosswinds coming off Lake Oconee, leading to missed greens on the short side. Over-clubbing into the tiered greens can result in difficult downhill putts or recovery shots from back-side collection areas.

Scoring Zone strategy for Great Waters

On a typical 400-yard par 4 at Great Waters, the goal should be simple: two controlled shots. You don't need a perfect drive — you need a repeatable position that allows you to play your next shot with confidence.

Great Waters rewards discipline and clear decision-making. Check the wind direction at the clubhouse before starting, as it shifts noticeably once you reach the open water segments. Focus on lag putting during the warm-up to get a feel for the speed of the modern bentgrass greens. Use a color-coded yardage book to identify safe carry distances over the numerous natural inlets.

Takes 2 minutes · No sign-up needed

Location

Nearby courses

Champions Retreat Golf Club

Georgia

• Par 72

View course →

Cuscowilla Golf Course

Georgia

• Par 72

View course →

Oconee Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee

Georgia

• Par 72

View course →